HONESTY BOX

+ Lessons learned? Unless you have an unlimited budget, there’s going to come a time when you have to make a compromise – but it’s those decisions that might leave you pleasantly surprised. We learned that sometimes things happen for a reason and that a positive attitude and willingness to compromise can sometimes achieve a better outcome.

+ Best memory in your home? The night before the YH&G photographer came around, the kids were playing in the garden and we’d finished tidying and were sitting on the deck and everything felt amazing. It was the first time we’d really enjoyed our deck as it was intended to be used. We put on the outdoor speakers and outdoor lights and had a few beers and watched this epic sunset. We felt really lucky.

+ What was one of your best decisions regarding the build? Choosing the builder – he was a blessing. We were stoked with his meticulous workmanship. He was old-school and could do everything. + Anything you wish you’d done differently? It being our first build, you’d expect us to have lots of regrets, but we don’t. Living in it beforehand and getting a feel for the site just made our decisions faster and more solid, so we were pretty certain of what we wanted by the time we got it onto paper. Eventually we’d love to put in solar power, but that’s phase two, along with bifold windows, a wraparound deck and a bar leaner.

+ Any advice? Shop around.

Take time to do your research and question every purchase decision to see whether you can get something of similar quality at a better price. And do as much of the work yourself as you can – it’ll save you some serious coin.